Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Their Wireless Radiation states, “Wireless radiation is emitted by the myriad of wireless devices we encounter every day. It was once thought to be relatively harmless. However, we now know that wireless radiation can cause non-thermal biological effects as well, including damage to cells and DNA, even at low levels.

12/2014 The Suffolk County Legislature passed legislation to require all county buildings- including Schools- to post notices that wireless routers are in use such as, "Notice: Wireless technology in use."

The resolution, sponsored by Legis. William Spencer (a physician), warns that every wireless device emits radio frequency radiation or microwave radiation. It notes that studies "that have looked at the effects of low-level RFR radiation on human cells and DNA have been inconclusive."

“CTF is concerned about the lack of definitive research regarding the adverse health effects of Wi-Fi...We propose a prudent approach to the use of Wi-Fi, especially where children are present.”

“We recommend an education program regarding the relative safety of Wi-Fi exposure and that appropriate resources be developed to educate the public regarding ways to avoid potential exposure risks of Wi-Fi access points and devices.”

“Pedagogical needs could be met in schools with an approach that limits exposure to Wi-Fi.”

Read the brief by the Canadian Teacher Federation.

“The National Education Association believes that all educational facilities must have healthy indoor air quality, be smoke-free, be safe from environmental and chemical hazards, and be safe from hazardous electromagnetic fields.” Section C-19 of the NEA2013-2014 Resolutions

Resolution passed: “I move that UTLA will abide by current National NEA Policy for Environmentally Safe Schools which states that all employees and stakeholders should be informed when there are changes in their exposure to environmental hazards including electromagnetic radiation and that all stakeholders and the public should be notified of any actual and potential hazards.”

Recommends a wired infrastructure as WIFI “may present a potential Health and Safety risk or hazard in the workplace...The safety of this technology has not thoroughly been researched and therefore the precautionary principle and prudent avoidance of exposure should be practiced.”

Proposed Resolutions “the World Health Organization's classification of radiofrequency/electromagnetic fields emitted by wireless devices as a 2B possible cancer risk to humans; that the BCTF ensures all teachers have the right to work in a safe environment, including the right to work in a Wi-Fi/ wireless-free environment.”

Resolution 17 "calls on each Board of Education to have one public school at each education level that is free of Wi-Fi, cordless phones and cell phones. This school will only be equipped with wired computers and wired telephones for personal, educational and administrative purposes."

Resolution 18 calls on Boards of Education to "cease to install Wi-Fi and other wireless networks in schools where other networking technology is feasible." passed with a clear majority.